“Searching for Treasure”
When the dirty town of Abberdoo-Rimey becomes overwhelmed by rubbish, litter and waste, its residents struggle to keep their community clean. But everything begins to change when Michael Recycle arrives.
With boundless energy, enthusiasm and a passion for protecting the environment, Michael inspires the townspeople to think differently about their rubbish and discover new ways to care for their world.
- Title: “Michael Recycle”
- Written by: Ellie Bethel
- Illustrated by: Alexander Colombo
- Age Group: 3 – 8 years
- Links to EYLF & MTOP ⤵️
| Framework | Principles | Practices | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| FrameworkEYLF | PrinciplesSustainability | PracticesPlay-based learning and intentionality | Learning OutcomesOutcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world. |
| FrameworkEYLF | PrinciplesPartnerships | PracticesLearning environments | Learning OutcomesOutcome 5: Children are effective communicators |
| FrameworkMTOP | PrinciplesSustainability | PracticesPlay, leisure and intentionality | Learning OutcomesOutcome 2 – 2.4: Social responsibility and respect for the environment. |
| FrameworkMTOP | PrinciplesPartnerships | PracticesEnvironments | Learning OutcomesOutcome 5 – 5.2: Engaging with texts and gaining meaning. |
About the Book
Through lively rhyming text and colourful illustrations, young readers are introduced to the important concepts of reducing waste, reusing materials and recycling. As Michael works alongside the community, children see how small everyday actions can contribute to meaningful change.
Items that were once thought of as rubbish are transformed into useful and creative new objects, demonstrating the value of looking at materials in a different way. The story highlights how imagination, teamwork and responsibility can help solve problems and make shared spaces cleaner and healthier for everyone.
The playful illustrations help make environmental ideas accessible for young children, inviting them to notice the many ways materials can be reused and repurposed throughout the story. Readers are encouraged to think about where rubbish goes, why recycling matters and how their choices can have a positive impact on the environment.
At its heart, Michael Recycle is a story about community and action. It empowers children to see themselves as capable problem-solvers who can help care for the places where they live, learn and play. Through humour, creativity and positive environmental messages, this engaging picture book inspires young readers to become environmental champions and discover how working together can help create a cleaner, greener future.
Why We Love It
Michael Recycle is a fun and engaging picture book that introduces children to environmental sustainability through humour, rhyme and positive action. Rather than focusing on environmental problems, the story highlights practical solutions and shows children how small actions can make a big difference.
The lively rhyming text makes this book a joy to read aloud and supports the development of phonological (sounds in words) awareness, listening skills and vocabulary. Its strong environmental message encourages children to think creatively about waste, reuse materials in new ways and take pride in caring for their communities.
This is a wonderful book to read, talk, sing, draw and play with children as you explore recycling, creativity and caring for the environment together.
📖 Read
As you read Michael Recycle together, pause to talk about the different materials and objects that appear throughout the story. Encourage children to predict how items might be reused or transformed before turning the page. The engaging rhyming text makes it an excellent book to revisit, supporting early literacy skills through repetition and rhythm.
You might also extend the experience by exploring non-fiction books about recycling, sustainability and caring for the environment.
💬 Talk
Talk about the changes Michael Recycle helps bring to the town.
Ask open-ended questions such as:
- What can you see happening in the pictures?
- Why do you think recycling is important
- What are some ways we can reduce waste at home?
- Can you think of something you have reused before?
These conversations help build vocabulary, critical thinking skills and environmental awareness while encouraging children to share their own ideas and experiences.
🎶 Sing
This book is a wonderful choice for World Nursery Rhyme Week because of its playful rhyming text. Try creating your own recycling-themed songs or adapting familiar nursery rhymes.
“Recycle, Reuse, Reduce”
To the tune of ‘Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush’.
Recycle, reuse, reduce every day,
Helping our planet along the way.
Bottle, paper, box and can,
Let’s recycle all we can!Children can clap, tap or march to the rhythm, strengthening their understanding of rhyme and beat while reinforcing the environmental message.
🎨 Draw
Invite children to design their own Michael Recycle invention. What could they create from old boxes, containers, cardboard tubes or other recyclable materials?
Children might draw a recycled robot, a new toy, a musical instrument or an imaginative machine that helps keep the environment clean. This activity encourages creativity, problem-solving and innovation.
🛝 Play
Create a recycling station using clean household materials and invite children to sort items into different categories such as paper, plastic, metal and cardboard.
You could also encourage children to build something new from recycled materials, such as a vehicle, animal, house or sculpture. As children experiment and create, talk about how materials can be reused rather than thrown away.
These playful experiences help children develop environmental awareness while learning that many everyday objects can be transformed and given a new purpose. For National Recycling Week and World Nursery Rhyme Week, Michael Recycle offers a wonderful opportunity to build early literacy skills while inspiring children to care for the world around them.
